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Which Western City Is Near Three National Monuments?

Mikeharris@oldwestnewwest.com (Mike Harris) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:20:38 +0000

Answer: Flagstaff, Ariz.

Flagstaff is the only city in the West (and in all the nation) with three national monuments on its doorstep.

Although not visible from the city, to the east are are Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments.

Flagstgaff, by the way, is surrounded by the 1.8-million-acre Coconino National Forest, making it a great location for year-round recreation and vacations.

Source: National Park Service

Where Is the West’s Largest Urban Park?

Mikeharris@oldwestnewwest.com (Mike Harris) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:16:51 +0000

Answer: Los Angeles

Comprising 153,075 acres, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is not only the West's largest urban national park, it is the world's largest urban park. It has more area codes (5) and zip codes (26), including the notable 90210 zip code of Beverly Hills, than any other unit in the National Park System.

Look for a feature story on Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area in OldWestNewWest.Com Travel & History Magazine very soon.

Source: National Park Service

Which Is the West’s Oldest Continuously-Occupied City?

Mikeharris@oldwestnewwest.com (Mike Harris) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:48:23 +0000

Answer: Acoma, New Mexico

Since 1150 A.D., Acoma Pueblo has earned the reputation as the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America.

Located west of Albuquerque, the 65-mile drive to Acoma is one of New Mexico's most scenic and historic, where visitors experience breathtaking views and monolith rock formations unlike any in the world.

A federally recognized Indian Tribe, Acoma Pueblo has a land base covering 431,664 acres and is home to 4,800 tribal members with more than 250 dwellings, none of which have electricity, sewer, or water. In 1629, construction began on the massive San Esteban del Rey Mission, a Catholic mission. Both the Mission and the Pueblo are Registered National Historical Landmarks.

The Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum strive to preserve Native American traditions while providing insight into the unique history of the Acoma Pueblo Indians. Open year-round, the Cultural Center offers guided tours, Acoma pottery & Native American crafts for sale by local artisans, cultural exhibits, and a host of performances and events. For more information, visit the Web site at http://sccc.acomaskycity.org/

Source: Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum

The West’s Shortest River Is In Which State?

Mikeharris@oldwestnewwest.com (Mike Harris) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Answer: Oregon

The title for shortest river in the West has gone back and forth between Oregon and Montana, but currently the cross-state rivalry favors Oregon. The shortest river in the West, if not the entire U.S., is the D River, running just 120 feet from Devils Lake into the mighty Pacific Ocean.

At 200 feet, Montana's Roe River held the shortest river title for awhile. The river runs between Giant Springs and the Missouri River near Great Falls. Of course, it all depends on how you measure it.

You can visit the D River; it's part of the D River Wayside State Park just off the Oregon Coast Highway 101 north of Lincoln City. There is no fee to use this park. For information, call (800) 551-6949.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Parks and Recreation

Which State Has the Most Native Americans?

Mikeharris@oldwestnewwest.com (Mike Harris) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Answer: California

With 689,120 American Indians and Alaska Natives in the state, California ranks number one. Other states (ranked in order of Native American population) in our poll/quiz include:

Oklahoma, No. 2 (393,500); Arizona, No. 3 (335,381); Texas, No. 4 (227,368) and New Mexico, No. 5 (203,500). New York ranks No. 6 with a Native American population of 189,601. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

Number of Voters in this Quiz: 31